Kari Eckheart EckheartFaculty and Staff

Kari Eckheart was named the Assistant Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Gustavus Adolphus College in August of 2010.  As the Assistant Athletics Director for Student Athlete Services, Eckheart serves as the advisor to Student Athlete Volunteer Educators (SAVE) along with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and also conducts student-athlete leadership development programs.  In addition to her work with student-athletes, Eckheart also acts as a liaison between the Athletics Department and the Student Life Division and helps to coordinate the alumni mentoring program within athletics.   

Prior to being named as the Assistant Athletic Director for Student Athlete Services, Eckheart was the head women’s volleyball coach and health promotion coordinator for Gustavus staff and faculty.  During her 13 years as the head volleyball coach, Eckheart directed the Gusties to an overall record of 206-163 and a league mark of 73-68. In 2009, she directed a young Gustavus squad to a mark of 11-17 overall and 3-8 in the MIAC, however in the previous five years, her squad’s had posted a mark of 95-40 overall (a .703 winning percentage) including second place MIAC finishes in 2006 and 2008 and a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008. Eckheart was honored as MIAC Coach of the Year in 2006. During her tenure at Gustavus, Eckheart had 14 players earn all-conference honors 20 times, two players named MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and two players named All-Region.

Eckheart received her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Iowa State University and her graduate degree in Community Health from Minnesota State University – Mankato.  Eckheart has been an active member of many regional and national organizations within her role as a volleyball coach as well as an administrator.

Eckheart, who lives in Mankato with her husband, Chris, are parents to a son and daughter, Eric and Emily. 

Courses Taught